shanan

About Sarah Hanan

SMU ranks No. 46 in Kiplinger’s new listing of the best values among private U.S. colleges. SMU’s ranking is up 23 places from 2012. The Kiplinger rankings are based on the cost to attend school, the financial aid available, student indebtedness, admission rate and yield, graduation rates and the academic support available to students.

SMU was locked down briefly the morning of Friday, May 10, in response to a potential threat.

After learning at approximately 8:35 a.m. about a potentially armed man in the vicinity, near Greenville Avenue and SMU Boulevard, the SMU campus began emergency actions. As the suspect’s location was being tracked via cellphone signal, SMU began locking exterior doors to campus facilities and notifying building managers of the possible threat.

At 9:06 a.m., the campus locked down. Students, faculty and staff were notified by alerts via text, phone, e-mail, social media and website. The lockdown ended at 9:16 a.m. after Dallas Police arrested the man on Mockingbird Lane east of US 75 (Central Expressway). The campus was informed to return to normal activities.

There is no indication that the suspect ever entered the SMU campus, west of Central Expressway. The University acted out of an abundance of caution based on information provided regarding the possible proximity of the suspect to campus. SMU appreciates the fast action of Dallas Police in apprehending the suspect.

Classes have ended for the semester, but final exams are in progress. SMU is making arrangements for students whose exams were interrupted to have them rescheduled.

SMU Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers students access to round-the-clock psychological counseling. Students may call 214-768-2277 for information or visit the SMU Health Center, 6211 Bishop Blvd., during clinic hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). After clinic hours, a mental health professional will be on call.

With 18 courses still available, students can make the most of their winter break by enrolling in SMU’s “J Term,” or January Term. Now in its second year, the concentrated program of study, set for Jan. 4-13 at the SMU-in-Plano campus, allows students to complete one three-credit-hour course at a discounted tuition rate before the start of the spring semester.

The enrollment deadline has been extended to Friday, Dec. 10, for the 18 courses with seats available. They feature offerings from the Cox School of Business, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts and the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Courses include “Management Concepts” for business minors and non-business majors, “Career Development Theory and Practice,” “Mass Media and Technology” and “Crime and Delinquency.”

“J Term allows students to pursue a very focused learning opportunity with SMU faculty members and adjunct professors,” says Kate Livingston, SMU-in-Plano campus director and director of the J-Term program. “These credit hours can help students accelerate their degree completion, earn a second major or minor, fulfill general education requirements or prerequisites, or just take a course of interest.”

J-Term courses are not available for registration through Access.SMU. To enroll, students should meet with an adviser to select appropriate courses and to complete the J-Term application form. The application must be received in Enrollment Services, faxed to 972-473-3433 or emailed to jterm@smu.edu by 4 p.m. Dec. 10.

Among the student films on the schedule are “Crazy Pig” and “Split,” which were showcased at the 2010 Dallas International Film Festival earlier in April. The SFA will also screen some of its newest productions. Awards will be given to the best films in 7 different categories.

Find the perfect gift for a friend, family member or yourself among SMU courses, books, travel opportunities and other goodies. We’ve made a list, and invite you to add your own ideas in the comments. Read more under the link below.